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Glacial valley and monastic settlement in County Wicklow, Ireland
Photo: Superbass, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Glendalough is a medieval monastery complex in County Wicklow in Ireland, 40 km south of Dublin. It's set in a deep scenic valley which is within the Wicklow Mountains National Park and has been protected from development. Most visitor facilities are therefore in nearby Laragh.
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Start here for orientation and background on the ruins. There's an interesting exhibition and an audio-visual show. Guided tours of the Monastic City are available in multiple languages all year round by advance booking. The Centre also holds free summer lectures on Irish heritage and history.
A 30-acre outdoor children's adventure park. Tree houses, Tarzan swings, rope bridges, rowing boats, water slides, rafts, canoes, junior go-carts, mini golf, picnic areas and a restaurant.
Traditional Irish restaurant with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Hotel with bar, restaurant and lounge. Good food, drink and ambiance.
Comfy glamping pods, adults only, open Apr-Oct.
Mid-range hotel next to the main site entrance, clean and comfy. Bar food served, live music Saturday nights.
Simple well-run hostel. Great location in valley, within walking range of sights, hiking trails and village amenities.
Friendly comfy B&B a kilometre up the valley road.
By bus
If you don't have your own wheels, best bet is a bus excursion. These depart daily from Dublin, and one reliable operator is the national company Bus Éireann.
Walk or cycle. Local accommodation may offer lifts to and from the monastic complex.
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